Kate Garraway showered with support from fans as husband Derek fights for his life following heart attack
KATE Garraway has been showered with support from fans as she sticks by her husband Derek Draper’s bedside following a heart attack.
The presenter has cancelled all TV and radio work while she supports Derek, 56, around the clock, who is “fighting for his life” once again in hospital.
Kate, also 56, has been met with thousands of comments of support online after The Sun exclusively revealed the heart attack news.
Reaching out across social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, fans have been writing encouraging words for Kate to read as she remains with Derek in hospital.
One fan penned: “This is so sad for the Garraway family. Derek’s body has been ravaged and we are just hoping he can get through this.”
Another added: “Compassion, loyalty and love in this marriage – Kate shows us what it should be like to promise someone ’in sickness and in health’.”
While a third wrote to Kate: “Kate, you’ve all gone through so much, your courage and kindness has been an inspiration.”
Last week, friends and family were alerted to Derek’s worsening condition.
A source said: “Everyone is praying for a miracle.
“Derek suffered a massive heart attack earlier this week, which has left him fighting for his life all over again.
“It was sudden and a shock as he had been doing so well and was in great spirits, looking forward to Christmas at home with the family.
“This setback has been a huge blow. Kate is by his side 24 hours a day and is willing him on to win this latest battle for his life.
The insider added: “Kate is by his side 24 hours a day and is willing him on to win this latest battle for his life. She has been utterly incredible.”
Derek was first rushed to hospital with Covid in March 2020, before spending 13 months in hospital after falling into a coma and being put on a ventilator.
He has since suffered ongoing health problems, with brain inflammation, kidney failure and liver and pancreas damage – as well as having difficulty breathing unaided.
Last February, Kate and Derek flew to Mexico for a ground-breaking medical trial before two further trips to specialist clinics in a last ditch attempt to help him lead a normal life.
Derek — whose days have largely been filled with appointments, hospital trips and sleeping — has been the subject of two critically acclaimed documentaries fronted by Kate.
In June, Kate was awarded an MBE, with Derek joining her at Windsor Castle for the award.